OCD?

[hi]

Hi!

 

I think I have OCD ( I am constantly worried of getting infected or infecting others/ I have compulsions that I do so I don't “harm” someone/ trichatrilomania) , but every time I try to tell my parents (my mom in particular) or give them helpful hints, they laugh it off, saying its a stupid habit I started, when I know that that's not the case.  They also tell me to “just stop” my compulsions. I just don't know how to seek help! Any helpful insight is welcome!

Thank you in advanced!

 

Anonymouse    

[Dr. Michael Jenike]

Hello

it does sound like OCD to me.  you should go to http://www.ocfoundation.org and read the information there.  there is a whole section on kids and OCD and a section for parents.  Perhaps you parents would take this more seriously if they looked at this.  you can also find doctors near you who could see you for an evaluation by putting your location in the Treatment Provider section.  let me know if you have further questions after reading this.  all best wishes,

Michael Jenike, MD

[hi]

Thanks a bunch!

I vaguely told my parents that I had anxiety issues, and clearly explained them to my parents, and they finally understood. However, they don't seem to really think that its a substantial problem, and when I asked them if we could schedule an appointment, they said yes, but they seem to have forgotten. They also think that if I concentrate on other things, I'll stop thinking about all these bad thoughts. To a certain extent, this is true, but those thoughts just have a way of getting into me. How can I explain to them that going to my doctor is my best option?

 

Thanks!

 

Anonymouse 

[Dr. Michael Jenike]

Get the book “The Imp of the Mind” by Lee Baer and have them read it.  also, they can read about OCD at the OC Foundation web site.  you will have to stress to them that this is a real problem.  all best wishes,

Michael Jenike, MD

[hi]

Hi again!

 

Thanks for taking your time to answer my questions! You don't know how much it means to me. But anyhoo, back to the subject 🙂 – My parents are thinking that I should see my doctor, but that I can resolve my own issues if I “just try.”  They seem to think that I cause my own unnecessary anxiety, and that these things will never happen. I know very well they that they won't happen, but my conscience doesn't. Just trying helps control my symptoms by a bit, but those thoughts get the best of me. They also don't seem to keen on going to a therapist or a psychiatrist because it will “end up on my permanent record,” which frankly– I just don't care about anymore. While talking, they understand mental disorders as real as 'cancer or diabetes” but when it comes to me, they seem to think I can just stop.  I love my parents more than anyone or anything in the world, but when it comes to my anxiety, they irritate me like CRAZY!!!!! My symptoms are somewhat mild, but I don't want them getting ANY worse. 

 

Thanks again!

 

 Anonymouse

[Dr. Michael Jenike]

maybe your doctor would talk to your parents about OCD and explain to them.  it would help you a lot to have them be more understanding.  good luck,

Michael Jenike, MD

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